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System and method for providing a low power remote control

remote control technology, applied in the field of system and method for providing a low-power remote control, can solve the problems of microcontrollers that may remain active and consume power, and achieve the effects of reducing overall energy consumption, prolonging battery life, and reducing energy consumption

Active Publication Date: 2014-07-22
UNIVERSAL ELECTRONICS INC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This invention is about ways to make portable controlling devices last longer on battery power. It reduces the energy usage when sending commands to controlled appliances. The invention does this by putting the main device brain into a low-power state when there's no activity between data blocks. This means that the device can be more energy-efficient while still doing its job effectively.

Problems solved by technology

In prior art embodiments, such a microcontroller may remain active and consuming power during the entire duration of said key press, even though the resulting command output may comprise the transmission of a series of data blocks or frames interleaved with periods of inactivity.

Method used

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  • System and method for providing a low power remote control
  • System and method for providing a low power remote control
  • System and method for providing a low power remote control

Examples

Experimental program
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Embodiment Construction

[0012]Turning now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated an exemplary system in which a controlling device 100 is configured to control various controllable appliances, such as a television 102, an AV receiver 104 and a set top box (“STB”) 106. As is known in the art, the controlling device 100 is capable of transmitting commands to the appliances, using any convenient IR, RF, Point-to-Point, or networked protocol 108, to cause the appliances to perform operational functions. While illustrated in the context of a television 102, AV receiver 104, and STB 106, it is to be understood that controllable appliances may include, but need not be limited to, televisions, VCRs, DVRs, DVD players, cable or satellite converter set-top boxes (“STBs”), amplifiers, CD players, game consoles, home lighting, drapery, fans, HVAC systems, thermostats, personal computers, etc.

[0013]With reference to FIG. 2, for use in commanding the functional operations of one or more appliances, the controlling device 100 m...

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Abstract

To conserve power in a controlling device having a processing device in communication with an input element and a transmitting device the processing device is caused to be placed into a low-power state for at least a portion of a transmission inactive interval intermediate the transmission of at least a pair of command frames. The command frames are caused to be transmitted by the transmitting device in response to an activation of the input element sensed via the processing device to thereby command a functional operation of an intended target device.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 381,108 filed on Sep. 9, 2010, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]Controlling devices, for example remote controls, for use in issuing commands to entertainment and other appliances, and the features and functionality provided by such controlling devices are well known in the art. Such controlling devices may be universal, that is, capable of controlling multiple appliance types of different manufacture; unified, that is, capable of controlling multiple appliance types of the same manufacture; or dedicated, that is, capable only of controlling a single appliance of a specific manufacture. Descriptions of such controlling devices may be found, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,959,810, 5,455,570, 7,046,185, or 7,154,428. The majority of such devices are hand held and battery powered. It is advantageous to maximize battery life...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Patents(United States)
IPC IPC(8): G06F1/32
CPCG06F1/3259G06F1/3203G08C2201/12G06F1/3243G08C17/00Y02D10/00Y02D30/50
Inventor HATAMBEIKI, ARSHAMSOMMERVILLE, CHRISTOPHER LEEWANG, WEIDONG WILLIAM
Owner UNIVERSAL ELECTRONICS INC